U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand endorsed Cheryl Roberts in her bid for the 107th Assembly District.

Roberts beat former Rensselaer County Legislator Keith Hammond in a Democratic Party primary last month and will take on Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin in November.

"When I look for a candidate to represent me in the New York State Assembly, I want someone with a strong record on the environment, who will advocate for women's comprehensive health care and will work hard to help create employment opportunities for the people of this district," Gillibrand said. "Cheryl Roberts is that candidate, and I am thrilled to be endorsing her today."

Gillibrand, who lives in Brunswick, is a resident of the 107th Assembly District, which includes parts of Rensselaer, Columbia and Washington counties.

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"Throughout my campaign, I've been telling the people of this district how privileged I would feel to have the opportunity to represent them," said Roberts. "I'm honored that Senator Gillibrand has recognized my commitment to helping turn our economy around and improve the quality of life for middle-class families."

Roberts is an attorney from Columbia County and specializes in environmental law.

Unshackle goes with McLaughlin

Unshackle Upstate endorsed Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin in his re-election bid for the 107th Assembly District against Cheryl Roberts.

Unshackle Upstate is a bi-partisan coalition of more 80 business and trade organizations representing upwards of 70,000 companies and employing more than 1.5 million people.

"Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin has demonstrated time and time again with tough votes and passionate debates that he is a staunch advocate for his constituents," said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. "Steve understands that if we are to return New York to the Empire State, we must continue to lower spending and taxes, reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and rid local governments of antiquated mandates that drain their resources and lead to higher taxes for homeowners."

McLaughlin is looking for his second term in the Assembly after beating incumbent Democrat Tim Gordon two years ago.

"I'm honored and humbled that Unshackle Upstate has recognized that I'm the only candidate in this race who has the private sector experience to advocate in Albany for a better economy," said McLaughlin. "My top priorities remain jobs and the private sector."

Patricia Fahy, Democratic nominee for the Assembly in the 109th District, held a news conference Tuesday to discuss her endorsement by Cong. Paul Tonko, County Executive Dan McCoy, Assemblyman Jack McEneny, State Sen. Neil Breslin, Albany Mayor Gerry Jennings and other elected officials.

Fahy focused on what can be done for jobs and education, her campaign themes, with the entire Capital Region delegation working together.

Fahy recently won the Democratic primary for the 109th District with 36 percent of the vote in a six-way primary. She has been endorsed by officials in all areas of the district, including the city of Albany, the Village of Altamont, and the Towns of Bethlehem, Guilderland and New Scotland.